POP-MENNONITE SOUNDTRACK
(CD in dramatic Stereo/78 min.)


Sample Track: Justice for the Soul

The Pop-Mennonite Soundtrack:
the Museum Demo CD
Edited & Produced by Don Michael Swartzentruber
$8.99 (click above to order)

Hymns, sermons and words were appropriated from cassette tapes from various church services. Some of the tapes were old and in such poor condition that copying them to digital files was their demise. The original track was split into stereo channels and edited, sometimes heavily, to add clarity to the message. They were then remastered in dramatic and rather surreal stereo.

Comments by Listeners:
"I thoroughly enjoyed the CD. I think it is very interesting in that it gives an insiders view into the religious background that gives rise to much of your work. It would be interesting to be a fly on the wall at an exhibit to see and hear folks reaction to the CD as they view the art."-Mansfield, Ohio.

"... 'Originally, my intentions were to appropriate Mennonite congregational singing for the background of Pop-Mennonite exhibits' said Swartzentruber, but over time 'the project evolved into something much larger, and in my opinion, just as expressive as the two-dimensional work.' ...The incorporation of audio into such a surrealistic collection of art gives the exhibit, as a whole, the rudder needed to steer onlookers into each piece. 'I view all the voices on the project as sacred manifestations of spiritual practitioners,' said Swartzentruber. 'While some may feel the work [has] been edited to make jest or to project a dark tone to the Mennonite faith, this was not my intention when making this soundtrack, or any of the artwork. This sound track gives opportunity for practicing Mennonites to preach to their 'outsider' audience. As one who grew up in, but has since moved away from the Mennonite church, I find the work nostalgic, inspirational, and a tremendous source for critiquing my own worldview.' -the Sounding Board

"Thanks for the soundtrack. It was a desired Christmas gift requested by my husband. Naturally we have spent hours listening followed by intense dialog since Christmas! You asked for my thoughts... What a novel idea to use audio along with visual art to evoke greater passion from the viewer/listener. This has been my experience without viewing the art in my home! I am struck with several things
1. Given my old Mennonite background (recently am "converting" to Church of the Brethren), at times while listening to the soundtrack I laughed hysterically and at times I was simply angry, remembering vividly the patriarchal role that dominated my past. Listening to the entire soundtrack I felt like a child in church when I didn't understand something that was being said or impatient with the service- slowness of song, boring preacher, how I used to hang onto funny phrases...
2. We just don't get worship, do we - I didn't realize before that so much of our worship is words; talk, talk, talk - when do we just listen? I think we have much to learn from meditation.
3. I feel sad that the Spirit was silenced so early in the service.
4. You manage to get the women in there too with their tough love threatening to cut us off...
There are many other mini sermons through out the soundtrack. These are just a few that I found profound. I am thankful for my past and still love to reconnect from time to time, marveling each time at the clear roles for men and women and clear boundaries of that community. Thanks for providing an avenue for dialog, tears, and laughter. My husband says it was the best gift. Respectfully, Betty Yoder (Ft.Wayne, Indiana)